How To Apply For Food Stamps In Colorado

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a Colorado Quest Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Colorado. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Colorado SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Colorado Department of Social or Human Services for assistance.

General Colorado SNAP Program RequirementsFor this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Colorado. In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size*

Maximum Income Level (Per Year)

1

$21,775

2

$29,471

3

$37,167

4

$44,863

5

$52,559

6

$60,255

7

$67,951

8

$75,647

*For households with more than eight people, add $7,696 per additional person.

Households that are receiving public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income) are categorically eligible for Colorado SNAP regardless of income. To see if you might be eligible for SNAP benefits, use SNAP's pre-screening tool. Because many programs offer services to families that may qualify them under other local criteria, they strongly recommend you contact the program in your community for more information and guidance.

Get an EBT Card ApplicationPick up an application at your local County Department of Human or Social Services office download the application by clicking on an application below. You can also call your County office to have an application mailed or faxed to you.

Fill Out the ApplicationPlease fill out as much of the application as you can. If you need help or don't understand a question, a staff member can help you complete your application. To start the process, put your name, street address, and social security number on the application and sign it. Return the application to the County Department of Human or Social Services Food Assistance OfficeBring, mail or fax your completed application to your local Food Assistance Office.

Make an Appointment for an InterviewMake an appointment for an interview at the Food Assistance Office when you return the application. In some counties, the Food Assistance worker will interview you the same day you return your application. If you return your application by mail, the food assistance office will contact you to schedule an appointment. Your appointment may be conducted in person or over the telephone. To save time and to help the process go faster, please bring all the necessary paperwork with you. Examples of verification that you might need to bring to your interview:

The InterviewIf you have an office interview, bring your verification with you to the interview. You keep the originals and the Food Assistance worker will make copies. If you have a telephone interview, your worker will explain how you can submit your documents. Your worker will also tell you if any additional information is needed. You will be assigned a Food Assistance worker. This is the person to call if you have questions about your case or you need to provide new documentation in the future. After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail regarding your eligibility.

If You are Eligible For Colorado SNAP BenefitsYou will get a notice that will explain how many months you can get food assistance benefits and the amount of food assistance you are eligible for. Every month you are eligible, your food assistance benefits will be deposited into an account. You will be issued on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called a Colorado Quest card and will pick a personal identification number (PIN) to access this account. This card acts as a debit card and can be used in any grocery store or retail location anywhere in the United States that has been authorized by the USDA and displays the Quest logo. Food assistance benefits can be used to buy most foods but may not be used to purchase food that can be eaten in the store or hot foods. Also you may not purchase any nonfood items, such as:

If You are Not EligibleIf you are not eligible for food assistance benefits, you will receive a notice that explains why. If you think you are eligible, call or visit your Food Assistance office. If you feel you have been denied incorrectly, you may request a Fair Hearing. It does not cost any money to request a fair hearing.